Development of epidural abscess following surgical drainage of perianal abscess: report of a case.

Abstract

A case of epidural abscess originating from a perianal abscess is reported. The history of the patient, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, magnetic resonance imaging, and bacteriological tests were used to reach a diagnosis and the possible mechanism. Epidural abscess was suspected because the patient had a fever and intense low back pain following drainage of a perianal abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to correctly diagnose the epidural abscess and bacteriologic studies disclosed the pathophysiologic mechanism. Epidural abscess is an extremely rare complication of perianal abscess. It should always be suspected in a patient with acute onset of back pain, fever, history of recent infection, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, because delay in diagnosis can cause neurologic compromise and even death.